Miss A Columnist

Colleen McNicholas is a Chicago South Sider who frequently wanders the streets of the windy city. She is always on the lookout for the best food and adventures this city has to offer. She is a Columbia College Chicago grad and is a marketing/PR professional. A few years ago, Colleen realized how many limitations she was putting on her life and decided she needed a change. She created a bucket list back in 2011 and has been following that bucket list ever since. Now, Colleen finally feels like she is living the life she has always wanted. When not working, volunteering, or trying new restaurants, she enjoys playing the guitar, fashion, going to concerts, running races, and meeting new people. Colleen is also a big thrill seeker: from extreme zip lining, to helicopter rides, to whale watching in Alaska, all the way to skydiving. Colleen wants to inspire people to take risks, try new things, and enjoy every second of life.

Recap: Kiehl’s 5th Annual LifeRide For amfAR Stops In Chicago

LifeRider getting ready to ride off to the next stop. (Photo Credit: Colleen McNicholas)

On Monday August 4, 2014 Kiehl’s hosted LifeRide for amfAR at their store in downtown Chicago. This year was the fifth anniversary of the event. LifeRide is a twelve-day motorcycle ride to help raise money for HIV/AIDS research. The route started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and ended in New York City.

At 12:00 p.m. a large group of motorcyclists made quite the entrance pulling up in front of the Kiehl’s Since 1851’s shop. It was most definitely a head turner for those passing by the store. Celebrity bike riders including: Gilles Marini, Ben Cohen, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and more were in attendance to show their support.

Malcolm-Jamar Warner was kind enough to speak with me about the LifeRide and his passion towards finding a cure for HIV and AIDS. He said that he has been involved with AIDS awareness for quite some time. He directed a video called, “Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You” shortly after it was announced that Magic Johnson was HIV positive back in 1992. Malcom-Jamal Warner is a Harley-Davidsonrider so he was more than happy to get involved and combine his two passions when he was given the opportunity to be a part of LifeRide.

I also had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Salgardo, President of Kiehl’s USA

Malcolm-Jamar Warner (Photo Credit: Colleen McNicholas)

When talking to Chris about his feelings towards bringing LifeRide to Chicago, his response was quite positive: “It is such an important stop for me because I haven’t been here before and part of my mission with LifeRide is to expose different parts of the country to the message of amfAR. There’s something about being able to do it on a bike, to be in a store, to talk to people. You just can’t get that experience by doing it on the radio or doing it on television and I love Chicago! I think Chicago has done a really good job with their AIDS organizations and fundraising so I’m proud to be here and I really wanted to bring LifeRide here, it’s kind of like a dream for me.”

Guests were not only greeted by the philanthropic celebs, but given a 15% discount at the store along with a complimentary 20-minute hand massage or facial along with refreshments and treats.

Celebrations took place at six retail stores along the LifeRide route. The LifeRiders raised $1,025,000 for AmfAR. Over the past five years the LifeRiders have traveled more than 15,000 miles to support this great cause.